Description
Succulent Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Shells deliver classic Italian comfort with creamy ricotta and fresh spinach nestled in tender pasta shells. Guaranteed crowd-pleasing meal will satisfy pasta cravings and bring Mediterranean warmth to your dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 18 jumbo pasta shells (boil extra in case some break)
- 4 cups spinach
- 15 oz (425 g) ricotta cheese
- 3 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded and divided
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 24 oz (680 g) marinara sauce
- 2 tbsps cream cheese
- 1 egg
- 1–2 tbsps olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
- ½ tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp dried parsley
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- Fresh parsley, to garnish
Instructions
- Preparation: Ignite the oven to 375°F (190°C) and position a 9×13-inch baking vessel for the pasta shells.
- Pasta Transformation: Immerse pasta shells in heavily salted water, cooking 1 minute shy of al dente. Swiftly drain and shower with cold water to interrupt cooking.
- Aromatic Foundation: Heat olive oil in a skillet, introducing minced garlic and sautéing until fragrant. Cascade fresh spinach into the pan, wilting completely until tender. Set aside to cool.
- Cheese Fusion: Merge ricotta, cream cheese, egg, mozzarella, Parmesan, and seasonings in a robust mixing bowl. Integrate the cooled spinach-garlic medley, ensuring uniform distribution.
- Layering Strategy: Cascade half the marinara across the baking dish’s base. Meticulously fill each shell with the cheese-spinach blend, nestling them strategically in the sauce.
- Final Embellishment: Blanket the shells with remaining marinara, crown with residual mozzarella and Parmesan. Shield with aluminum foil, then bake for 20 minutes.
- Crisp Finale: Unveil the foil, continue baking 10 minutes until cheese transforms golden and bubbly. Allow a 5-minute restoration period before garnishing with fresh parsley and serving.
Notes
- Pasta Precision: Cook shells 1 minute less than package instructions for perfect texture that won’t become mushy during baking.
- Spinach Cooling Technique: Allow spinach to cool completely before mixing with cheese to prevent watery filling and maintain stuffing consistency.
- Cheese Blending Pro Tip: Soften cream cheese beforehand and mix ingredients thoroughly to create a smooth, creamy filling without lumps.
- Baking Cover Strategy: Use aluminum foil for initial baking to prevent cheese from burning and ensure even heating, then uncover to achieve golden, bubbly top.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 21 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg